The annexation of the Klaipėda region to Lithuania – a closer look

Abstract

In a collection of documents dedicated to the anniversary of Klaipėda’s annexation to Lithuania in 1923, researchers from Klaipėda University and the Museum of the History of Lithuania Minor focused on the history of this event, which unfolded not only in Klaipėda and Kaunas, but also in major European capitals. They carefully selected various sources not only from Lithuania, but also from France, Poland, Soviet and American press, not only political but also military documents, and the memories of witnesses to the events. The editors have prepared not only an academic publication of sources, but also a coherent, intense, multi-voiced narrative. The book helps to understand the abundance of events, to see the clash of international interests and the complexity of Lithuania’s situation – the urgent resolution of the dilemma of Klaipėda’s political future opened the door to new international dilemmas. Now that we know how they ended, thanks to the editors, we can still read this book as a compelling political thriller.